Introduction
The role of youth in shaping a peaceful, cooperative and sustainable world is becoming increasingly central, especially in regions with complex geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges. The conference on interaction and confidence-building measures in Asia (CICA), a 28-member intergovernmental forum for enhancing cooperation, offers a valuable framework to explore this theme. Where they become a human resource to include peace and cooperation in the field of economics and growth and education, which will lead to peace and cooperation, marking the development of nations. With the sustainable development goals (SDGS) as a guiding compass, especially SDG 16 (peace, justice,) strong institutions) and SDG 17 (partnership for the goals) the involvement of youth in addressing shared concerns like climate change, energy security, and economic development becomes not just relevant but essential, in the CICA region, which includes diverse nations such as Kazakhstan, India, Iran, Turkey, China and Azerbaijan, the potential for youth driven cooperation is vast but underutilized. These countries' youth mainly engaged with international programs, as we can see an Indian player won the world chess championship, Mr Gukesh, the master champion of chess. The youth in the CICA region can act as transformative agents for peace and sustainability. It examines the current initiatives, proposes innovative ideas, and aligns these efforts with global goals, demonstrating how young people can increase mutual trust among CICA member states and help address pressing regional and global challenges.
Institutions
ADG 16 focuses and reducing violence, ensuring access to justice, and building effective institutions for youth in CICA member countries, many of which face issues like ethnic tension, politically it back to 1947, also the British colonized some of the SDG member countries. Instability and unequal access to justice, this goal offers a pathway toward long–term transformation. The UN Security Council resolution 2419 (2018) emphasized the inclusion of youth in peace negotiations and security planning. This resolution, along with its predecessor UNSCR 2250, recognizes youth not just as victims of conflict but as positive contributors to peace. Yes, it is obvious that where people will fight for justice, youth will be led by education towards education and also to sustainable development. In practice, this has inspired national youth policies and peace education programs across countries like
Kazakhstan and India. Within CICA, the youth council serves as a formal structure for young people to engage in regional dialogue. This council is increasingly being recognized as a platform for trust building in their cultural understanding and advocacy. As of 2023-24 under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship, CICA has initiated regional events such as the partnership Network of leading universities and the rally volunteer Movement Leaders, where youth collaborate on cross-border peace and development efforts. This kind of development, which engages students, youth and teenagers towards development and also being utilized by youth and nations themselves. To build peace, young people must also engage in local governance, justice, reforms and anti-corruption efforts. Youth-led organizations in Pakistan and Kazakhstan have implemented civic education programs, promoted awareness of legal rights and encouraged participation in local government. These initiatives demonstrate that when youth are given opportunities to lead, they can significantly contribute to more inclusive and accountable institutions. These youths are really responsible for the development towards the nation and add some peace and cooperation towards the main ethic of culture and benefits of cooperation towards development.
Youth-Led solutions for Climate Change and energy security
The CICA region is one of the most climate-vulnerable areas. Counties like Bangladesh and Pakistan have been severely affected by floods and heat waves. These countries are touched by the ocean, where Bangladesh touch the Indian Ocean. The youth of these countries are mainly affected by colonization. The CICA region is already stepping up. In Mongolia, the government’s "1 billion Trees by 2030" imitative has partnered with student groups to promote afforestation. Tajikistan’s proposal for 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers Preservation places youth at the forefront of environmental advocacy. Uzbekistan, too, has supported regional "Green Asia" dialogues involving youth environmental clubs and innovators.
Energy security is another strategic concern. Countries like Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables, opening up green job opportunities. Like India is also growing towards green jobs opportunities, in Rajasthan, where the government are implementing solar energy, here youth can play an important role by acquiring skills in solar panel installation, sustainable agriculture, and energy auditing. UNFCCC’s green jobs initiative supports such capacity building, encourages governments to invest in training youth for a sustainable energy future, where people can live peacefully, next generation will be happy towards the environment. Partnership for goals Building trust and regional cooperation SDG 17 highlights the importance of global and regional partnership, for CICA nations, where historical grievances and political differences often hinder cooperation, youth participation can offer a neutral and productive alternative. CICA's recent efforts to launch a partnership network of leading universities. It is a strong starting point. By promoting joint research, students exchange, and regional forums, this initiative fosters a culture of dialogue among youth. The rally of volunteer movement leaders in 2024 creates an opportunity for young people to participate in civic service across borders, building solidarity through action. CICA virtual youth parliament could allow representatives from each member state to propose policy ideas and collaborative projects to address all problems and efforts towards development and peace.
Innovative ideas to empower youth across the CICA region
Firstly, Pan-CICA youth environment hubs, in key universities across the region, would enable students to work on shared environmental challenges. Secondly, Green Job Training camps, CICA governments can partner with UNDP, UNFCCC, and the private sector to organise short-term technical programs focused on renewable energy, environment monitoring, and sustainable agriculture. Thirdly, Youth-led Climate Diplomacy Reproductions, inspired by the COP negotiations, these simulations can help young people understand the complexities of
climate diplomacy and also through negotiations and leadership. Fourthly, Volunteer Exchange Programs, a CICA youth exchange for development and open talk and discussion about peace and related matters, youth exchange programs could allow youth volunteers to work in neighboring countries on community projects, such as clean water access, literacy, etc. This could directly foster and promote empathy, trust, and well cooperation. Finally, the Youth Parliament, where youth will mainly contribute to development, also to foster peace and cooperation, and digitally connected youth from all member states can debate, deliberate and design programs for peacebuilding nations.
Implementation strategy: Making the vision real
To realize these ideas, several key enablers must be in place. First, governmental support is crucial. Ministries of youth, environment, and education mustwork together to provide a legal framework. Funding and institutional support. Second, partnership with the United Nations, particularly UNDP, UNODC, UNFCCC and UNESCO, can provide technical assistance, policy coherence, and global visibility. Third, Digital infrastructure is vital. Ensuring equitable access to online platforms and communication tools will make regional cooperation among youth more inclusive and scalable. Fourth, the CICA, which is expected to be established following the 2024 environment conference in Asia, offers a major opportunity. Youth representatives should be included in the body to ensure their voices are heard in the environment and development, and also in policy-making.
Conclusion
Youth is the backbone of our society, where they are the next upcoming leaders and nation holders. The young people in the CICA region possess the creativity, motivation, and resilience to shape a peaceful and sustainable future. Through SDG-aligned efforts in climate, justice and cooperation, they can be the bridge between divided communities, the innovators solving urgent problems, and the leaders of tomorrow. With the support from the UN and CICA, their national government can be the best part of the world where only peace and cooperation are found. Youth can move from being agents of peace and development to active agents who shape it. The challenges are important, from climate disasters to political divisions, but so is the potential. By investing in young people and in human resources, CICA member states can create a region where peace, prosperity and partnership are not only distant ideals, but shared realities. Youth is the main builder of the nation.